If everyone says ‘Merry Christmas,’ what does it mean?: Opinion

I used to use the catch-all “happy holidays.” But then I read a bunch of letters to the editor complaining about the War on Christmas, and I’ve changed. From now on I’m going to say “merry Christmas” during this week of the year.

I’m going to say it to Christians. I’m going to say it to Jewish people. I’m going to say it to Muslims and Buddhists, to Hindus and Tom Cruise. I’m going to say it to believers and atheists, and to politicians who say they’re the former but probably are the latter.

I’m going to say it in the same spirit as I say “Be sure to vote” on election day, “Happy Opening Day” when baseball starts, and “Who do you like?” on Kentucky Derby day.

I’m going to say it to mean “enjoy your day off” and “celebrate as you see fit” and “don’t celebrate if it’s not your thing.”

I’m going to say it with absolutely no religious feeling behind it.

I’m just going to say it. And that’s what counts, right? This is what many Christians want, isn’t it — that we say it?

Look, I’m a product of a mixed marriage and an interfaith Sunday school, a fan of multiculturalism and Christopher Hitchens’ antitheist writings and speeches, the kind of guy who sends “Happy New Year” cards at this time of year (if I send cards at all).

This makes me a classic “happy holidays” type.

So, what persuaded me to go with “merry Christmas”?

I read about how the “happy holidays” movement is political correctness run amok. About how the courts, the schools and the shops are promoting religiously unspecific observations of the season, stopping people from expressing their true beliefs. About how terrible it is when the thinking of one like-minded group imposes its will and everyone starts sounding the same.

I’m convinced — that is terrible. When everyone says the same thing, it robs what they say of its meaning.

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This is why I switched to saying “merry Christmas!” And you should too.